West Nile to get two more hydropower dams

By Benedict Okethwengu in Nebbi

The minister of state for mineral development, Peter Lokeris has assured the people of West Nile that government is committed to building two more power dams to boost the 3.5 megawatt Nyagak hydropower dam.

Last month President Museveni inaugurated the 3.5 Nyagak hydropower station in Nyapea sub-county, in Zombo district.

The occasion marked the onset of 24 hour electricity supply for the people in the region, but it has not deterred leaders in the region from demanding to be connected on the national grid.  

Lokeris said that, the sites for the two proposed dams have been identified adding that if constructed, the dams will ably satisfy the demand for power in West Nile.

 “We have proposed two sites to build Nyagak II and III on the downstream of Nyagak I, and this will be followed by connecting the West Nile on the national grid,” Lokeris said.  He said the fund for the project is readily available.

The minister said this over the weekend during the belated golden jubilee Independent celebration for Nebbi district.

The district celebrations were held at Panyimur Primary school playground, in Panyimur sub-county.

 During the celebration Fred Johan Omach, the state minister for finance planning and economic development, also the Member of Parliament for Jonah country in Nebbi district urged government to connect   West Nile to the national grid.  

 Though, he appreciated the government for delivering Nyagak I which is now lighting the region, Omach argued that they need more adding that the region is capable of consuming even 50 megawatts.

 “We thank the government for delivering Nyagak I, but we need more, West Nile is capable of consuming even 50 megawatts. Therefore we kindly request the government to connect us to the national grid,” pleaded.

But Lokeris also said that government has interest in developing power because it will facilitate job creation through the establishment of small and big industries.

He also said that Pakwach railway system will be revived to quicken the delivery of industrial material to the people of West Nile.